Additive Manufacture of Inorganic Freeform Gradient-Index Optics

To address the U.S. Navy need for smaller lighter weight optics in manned and unmanned aircraft, and to speed up optic procurement, in this program, inorganic freeform gradient-index (GRIN) optics are being developed that are operational in the visible and thermal infrared spectral ranges. These optics are fabricated using inkjet-deposition-based additive-manufacturing to integrate nanocomposite feedstock (optical inks) into tailored optics with gradient refractive index and dispersive properties throughout the volume of the lens. In Phase I, glass GRIN optical feedstock was developed, as well as additive-manufacturing processes capable of realizing all-inorganic GRIN lenses. Building on this success, in Phase II, the sintering and densification of the optical inks will be improved via chemical modifications and the inkjet-print additive-manufacturing process will be developed through analysis and designed experiments, increasing the materials and process understanding to technology readiness level 4. In the Phase II option, the lens operational spectrum will be extended into the 1.5 – 3.14-µm range through the introduction of new glass nanoparticles that are transparent to light in that range.